Glenoid resurfacing system and method

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for repairing an articular surface. A guide pin may be secured to an articular surface of a glenoid, wherein the guide pin defines a working axis and the working axis is positioned at an angle α relative to the articular surface, wherein angle α is less than or equal to 90 degrees. An excision device may be advanced over the guide pin, wherein the excision device includes a cannulated shaft and at least one cutter, wherein the at least one cutter is generally aligned in a single plane. A generally hemi-spherical excision site may be formed with the excision device within the articular surface of the glenoid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional No. 61/170,290, filed on Apr. 17, 2009, the teachings ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. This application alsorelates to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/762,920, filed Apr. 19, 2010.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to devices and methods for the repair of defectsthat occur in articular cartilage on the surface of bones, particularlythe shoulder.

BACKGROUND

Articular cartilage, found at the ends of articulating bone in the body,is typically composed of hyaline cartilage, which has many uniqueproperties that allow it to function effectively as a smooth andlubricious load-bearing surface. When injured, however, hyalinecartilage cells are not typically replaced by new hyaline cartilagecells. Healing is dependent upon the occurrence of bleeding from theunderlying bone and formation of scar or reparative cartilage calledfibrocartilage. While similar, fibrocartilage does not possess the sameunique aspects of native hyaline cartilage and tends to be far lessdurable.

In some cases, it may be necessary or desirable to repair the damagedarticular cartilage using an implant. While implants may be successfullyused, the implant should have a shape substantially corresponding to thearticular cartilage proximate the area where the implant is to be placedin order to maximize the patient's comfort, minimize damage tosurrounding areas, and maximize the functional life of the implant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of this disclosure, and themanner of attaining them, may become more apparent and better understoodby reference to the following description of embodiments describedherein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example of an excision device andan implant;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an excisiondevice and an implant;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an implant;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example of an implant;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of another example of an implant;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a guide pin positioned in the glenoidsurface of a scapula;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an excision device including acannulated shaft and a cutter positioned at the distal end of thecannulated shaft passing over the guide pin positioned in the glenoidsurface of a scapula;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an example of an excision deviceincluding a cannulated shaft and a cutter positioned at the distal endof the cannulated shaft passing over the guide pin positioned in theglenoid surface of a scapula;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side-cross sectional view of an excision deviceincluding a cannulated shaft and a cutter positioned at the distal endof the cannulated shaft passing over the guide pin positioned in theglenoid surface of a scapula;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side-cross sectional view of an excision siteincluding an implant;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example wherein a portion of the perimeter of thearticular surface is damaged and the guide pin is positioned such that arepair may be made at or near the perimeter of the articular surface;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side-cross sectional view of an excision siteincluding an example of an implant positioned at or near the perimeterof the articular surface; and

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a side-cross sectional view of anexample of an excision site including an example of an implantpositioned at or near the perimeter of the articular surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment, the present disclosure may feature a systemand method for resurfacing at least a portion of an articular surfacehaving a defect by replacing a portion of the articular surface with animplant. The implant may comprise a load bearing surface having acontour and/or shape substantially corresponding to the patient'soriginal articular surface about the defect site which may be configuredto engage an adjacent articular surface. The present disclosure willdescribe a system and method for replacing a portion of the articularsurface of the glenoid; however, it should be understood that the systemand method according to the present disclosure may also be used toresurface articular surfaces other than the glenoid.

As an initial matter, many of the devices described herein comprisecannulated components configured to be arranged over other components.The degree to which the cannulated passageway (i.e., internal diameterof the passageway/cavity) of a first component corresponds to theexternal diameter of the component over which it is being placed may beclose enough to generally eliminate excessive movement. Excessivemovement may be defined as an amount of movement that may result insurgically relevant misalignment of the implant relative to thearticular surface.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an excision device 10 and animplant 12 are generally illustrated. As will be explained in greaterdetail herein, the excision device 10 may be configured to form animplant or excision site within the articular surface (e.g., theglenoid) configured to receive at least a portion of the implant 12. Theimplant 12 may be configured to replace the articular surface in an areaproximate one or more defects. The system and method consistent with thepresent disclosure may repair a defect on the articular surface of aglenoid without having to replace the entire glenoid.

Accordingly to at least one embodiment, the implant 12 may be configuredto replace only a portion of the articular surface proximate the defectsite rather than the entire articular surface. As such, the implant 12may minimize the amount of the articular surface which is operated onthus allowing more of the patient's original articular surface to beunaffected and providing a more physiologically normal joint. The systemand method consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure mayallow for “key-hole” surgery in which a minimum number and size ofincisions are made. As may be appreciated, “key-hole” surgery may reducethe amount of pain and/or discomfort experienced by the patient and mayreduce healing times.

The excision device 10 may include a cannulated shaft 14 defining apassageway 15 configured to be received over at least a portion of aguide pin or the like (not shown). The excision device 10 may alsoinclude at least one cutter 16 a, 16 b extending radially outwardly andaway from a distal end 18 of the shaft 14. Each cutter 16 a, 16 b mayhave a cutting surface 20 configured to create a hemispherical implantsite, i.e., an excision site to receive the implant. For example, thecutting surface 20 may have a generally arcuate shape which sweepstowards the proximal end of the shaft 14 as the radius R_(e) from theshaft 14 increases on the cutter 16 a, 16 b. It may be appreciated thatthe hemi-spherical excision site may exhibit some degree of deviationand the hemi-spherical excision site may be, in some examples, teardropshaped or pyriform.

The contour of the cutting surfaces 20 may define the contours of theexcision site as the cutters 16 a, 16 b are rotated about the centralaxis of the excision site. While the cutting surfaces 20 are illustratedhaving a generally constant arc or curvature, the cutting surfaces 20may include one or more protrusions and/or recesses configured to createcorresponding radial groove and/or lips/protrusions within the excisionsite. These radial grooves and/or lips/protrusions on the cuttingsurfaces 20 may facilitate alignment of the implant 12 and/or mayincrease the mechanical coupling of the implant 12 within the excisionsite.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the overall radius R_(e) of the cutters 16 a, 16b may define the radius of the implant site created by the excisiondevice 10 within the articular surface and may also substantiallycorrespond to the radius R_(i) of the implant 12. In addition, the depthD of the cutters 16 a, 16 b may also define the height of the excisionsite created by the excision device 10 and may also substantiallycorrespond to the height H of the implant 12. For example, the overallradius R_(e) of the cutters 16 a, 16 b may be between 7.0 mm to 20.0 mm,for example, 7.0 mm to 15.0 mm and/or 10.0 mm to 12.5 mm (including allvalues and ranges therein) and the depth D may be between 4.0 mm to 10.0mm, for example, 5 mm (including all values and ranges therein).

According to at least one embodiment, the excision device 10 may includea first and a second cutter 16 a, 16 b which may be disposedapproximately 180 degrees relative to each other. For example, thecutters 16 a, 16 b may extend generally radially outwardly from theshaft about a first and a second generally opposite side of the distalend 18 of the shaft 14. The cutters 16 a, 16 b may also have a generallyslim profile configured to be disposed between two adjacent articularsurfaces as explained further herein. For example, the cutters 16 a, 16b may have a cross-sectional thickness (t) of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, forexample, 2.0 mm (including all values and ranges therein). In oneembodiment the at least one cutter may provide a generally hemisphericalexcision site regardless of the angle which the guide pin is disposedrelative to the articular surface 54.

The implant 12 may include a load bearing surface 22 and a bone facingsurface 24. Turning now to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of an implant12 consistent with at least one embodiment herein is generallyillustrated. The load bearing surface 22 may have a contoursubstantially corresponding to or based on the contour of the patient'sarticular surface being replaced (i.e., the articular surface which isremoved by the excision device 10). The contour of the load bearingsurface 22 may be based on a plurality of measurements taken at thepatient's articular surface (for example, using a measuring and/ormapping tool as generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,520,964,6,610,067, 6,679,917, 7,029,479 and 7,510,558, which are fullyincorporated herein by reference) and/or may be based on one or moretemplates.

The load bearing surface 22 may be based on two or more curvatures, forexample, the anterior-posterior (AP) curvature and the superior-inferior(SI) curvature. One or more of the AP and/or SI curvatures maythemselves be based on multiple curves, (for example, as generallydescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/027,121, filed Feb. 6,2008 and entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOINT RESURFACE REPAIR, which isfully incorporated herein by reference). The load bearing surface 22 maybe generally concaved. For example, the load bearing surface 22 may havea generally hemi-spherical shape.

The load bearing surface 22 may also include a beveled region 26disposed about the perimeter of the load bearing surface 22. The beveledregion 26 may reduce the potential of further damage to the surroundingarticular surface by eliminating a hard transition between the loadbearing surface 22 and the remaining articular surface. The beveledregion 26 may be particularly helpful if a portion of the implant 12 isslightly proud with respect to the remaining articular surface.

The bone facing surface 24 may be configured to be generally received inthe excision site created by the excision device 10. For example, thebone facing surface 24 may have a generally hemi-spherical shapesubstantially corresponding to the contour of the cutting surfaces 20 ofthe cutters 16 a, 16 b. The bone facing surface 24 may also include oneor more lips, protrusions, ribs or the like 28 a-28 n configured toincrease the mechanical connection between the implant 12 and thepatient's bone within the excision site. Again, these lips or the like28 a-28 n may generally correspond to the contours of the cuttingsurfaces 20 of the cutters 16 a, 16 b. The voids or space 30 a-30 nbetween the lips 28 a-28 n may create pockets for bone in-growth and/orbone cement.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the implant 12 may optionally include atleast one keel or tail 32 extending generally outwardly from the bonefacing surface 24. For example, the implant 12 may include at least onekeel 32 including a protrusion or button 34 disposed about a distal endof a base region 36 as generally illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, theimplant 12 may include a single keel 32 extending generally downwardlyand away from the bottom surface 38 of the bone facing surface 24generally along the central axis C of the implant 12. The base region 36may be coupled to the bottom surface 38 of the bone facing surface 24and may have an hour-glass shape which may initially taper radiallyinwardly and then taper radially outwardly. The bottom surface 33 of thebutton 34 may have a curvature substantially corresponding to thecurvature of the implant site. For example, the bottom surface of thebutton 34 may have a curvature (generally illustrated by dotted curve D)substantially corresponding to the curvature of the cutting surfaces 20.

The button 34 may extend generally radially outwardly from a distal endof the base region 36. As such, the button 34 may have a diameter D_(b)greater than at least a portion of the base region 36, for example, theportion of the base region adjacent to the button 34. According to oneembodiment, the diameter D_(b) of the button 34 may be the same as orslightly larger than the diameter of the cavity in the excision site inwhich it is configured to be received. As such, the button 34 may forman interference fit with the cavity in the excision site which maysecure the implant 12 to the bone and may also facilitate alignment ofthe implant 12 with respect to the articular surface and the excisionsite. Alternatively, the diameter D_(b) of the button 34 may be slightlysmaller than the diameter of the cavity in which it is configured to bereceived. As such, the button 34 may also facilitate alignment of theimplant 12 with respect to the articular surface and the excision site.In addition, bone cement or the like may be disposed around the keelwithin the cavity to increase the mechanical connection between the keel32 and the bone.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a keel 32. The keel 32 mayinclude a base region 36 extending generally outwardly/downwardly andaway from the bottom surface 38 of the bone facing surface 24 generallyalong the central axis C of the implant 12. For example, the keel 32 mayextend outwardly/downwardly and away from the bottom surface 38 of thebone facing surface 24 beyond the curvature D substantiallycorresponding to the curvature of the cutting surfaces 20. The keel 32may be configured to be received in an additional cavity, pocket or thelike formed within the excision site. The additional cavity may beformed subsequent to the formation of the excision site using anadditional cutter, chisel, drill or the like (not shown).

The base region 36 may include one or more radial lips, grooves,protrusions or the like 40. The keel 32 may also include a protrusion 42extending generally downwardly and away from the base portion 36generally along the central axis C of the implant 12. The protrusion 42may include one or more radial lips, grooves, protrusions or the like 44a-44 n. As discussed herein, the keel 32 may be configured to engage acavity or the like disposed within the excision site and may beconfigured align the implant 12 with respect to the articular surfaceand/or the excision site and may also increase the mechanical couplingof the implant 12 to the bone.

While the keels 32 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 are shown having agenerally concentric shape, the keel 32 may have other configurations.For example, the keel 32 may have a shape configured to preventrotations of the implant 12 with respect to the articular surface. Thekeel 32 may have a non-circular shape configured to be received in theexcision site in a lock-and-key configuration. By way of example, thekeel 32 may have a generally multifaceted geometry (such as, but notlimited to, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or the like) configuredto received in the excision site. The implant 12 and the keel 32 may bea single, integral or unitary component or may be formed from two ormore pieces which may be secured to each other (either permanently orremovably secured).

Turning now to FIGS. 6-10, one method of installing an implant 12consistent with the present disclosure is generally illustrated. One ormore incisions 49 may be created proximate the patient's shoulder 50 toprovide access to the defect 52 on the patient's articular surface 54,for example, using a scalpel or the like. The incision 49 may be madethrough the anterior portion of the patient. Again, the presentdisclosure will describe a system and method for replacing a portion ofthe articular surface of the glenoid; however, it should be understoodthat the system and method according to the present disclosure may alsobe used to resurface articular surfaces other than the glenoid. Thesystem and method consistent with one embodiment of the presentdisclosure may allow for “key-hole” surgery in which a minimum numberand size of incisions are made. As may be appreciated, “key-hole”surgery may reduce the amount of pain and/or discomfort experienced bythe patient and may reduce healing times.

Once the incision is created, a guide pin 56, FIG. 6, may be positionedabout the glenoid 58 on the scapula 60 to provide an access passagewayto the glenoidal articular surface 54 as will be described herein.Consistent with one embodiment, the guide pin 56 may comprise threadedand/or self-tapping tip (not shown) configured to be secured to thepatient's bone. The guide pin 56 may be secured to the bone using adrill or the like (not shown) and at least a portion of which may bedisposed proximate to and/or within the defect site 52 on the articularsurface 54. Optionally, a drill guide (not shown) may be used tofacilitate alignment of the guide pin 56 with respect to the articularsurface 54.

The guide pin 56 may be disposed along a longitudinal or working axis(W) at an angle α relative to the articular surface 54. Angle α may beless than or equal to 90 degrees, wherein α≦90 degrees with respect tothe articular surface 54. In some examples, angle α may be less or equalto 90 degrees and greater than or equal to 45 degrees with respect tothe articular surface 54, wherein 45 degrees≦α≦90 degrees with respectto the articular surface 54. In further examples, 90 degrees>α>45degrees and/or 90 degrees>α≧45 degrees, with respect to the articularsurface 54. The degree of the angle α may depend on the location and/orsize of the defect 52 and may be selected to avoid contact with thehumerus 62. In some circumstances the degree of the angle α may also beselected to avoid contact with the perimeter of the articular surface54.

Once the guide pin 56 is secured to the articular surface 54, theexcision device 10 may be advanced over the guide pin 56 as generallyillustrated in FIG. 7. For example, the guide pin 56 may be receivedwithin the passageway 15 defined by the cannulated shaft 14. Accordingto at least one embodiment, the cutters 16 a, 16 b may be generallyaligned in a single plane extending along the longitudinal axis of theexcision device 10. The plane of the cutters 16 a, 16 b may beorientated generally tangential to the articular surface 64 of thehumerus 62 such that the cutters 16 a, 16 b may slide by the articularsurface 64 of the humerus 62 and between the humerus 62 and the scapula60 as generally illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Once the cutters 16 a, 16 b are advanced over the guide pin 56 to thearticular surface 54, the excision device 10 may be rotated about theguide pin 56. As may be best seen in FIG. 8, a pocket of cavity 66 maybe present between the articular surface 54 of the glenoid 58 and thearticular surface 64 of the humerus 62. The cutters 16 a, 16 b of theexcision device 10 may therefore rotate about the guide pin 56 withoutcontacting the articular surface 64 of the humerus 62.

The excision device 10 may thus be rotated about the guide pin 56 toform an excision site 70 within the articular surface 54 of the glenoid58 as generally illustrated in FIG. 9. Due to the contour of the cuttingsurfaces 20 of the cutters 16 a, 16 b, the excision site 70 created bythe excision device 10 may have a generally hemi-spherical configurationregardless of the angle α of the guide pin 56.

Once the excision site 70 is formed within the articular surface 54, theexcision device 10 and the guide pin 56 may be removed as generallyillustrated in FIG. 10. The removal of the guide pin 56 may leave acavity 72 formed by the distal tip of the guide pin 56. The implant 12may then be received in the excision site 70. The sphericalconfiguration of the excision site 70 may normalize the implant 12 withrespect to the remaining articular surface 54. The load bearing surface22 of the implant 12 may substantially match the original contour of thepatient's articular surface 54 which was removed.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the system and method according to thepresent disclosure may also repair a defect 80 on the articular surface54 in which a portion of the perimeter of the articular surface 54 isdamaged or missing. For example, the posterior portion P of thearticular surface 54 may have a defect 80, wherein a portion of theperimeter of the articular surface 54 is missing which may be caused byadvanced chronic shoulder dislocation and/or early onset arthritis. Torepair a defect 80 proximate the perimeter of the articular surface 54,the guide pin 56 may be moved further towards the posterior end P of thearticular surface 54. The exact location of the guide pin 56 withrespect to the articular surface 54 may depend on the location and sizeof the defect 80 as well as the size of the cutters 16 a, 16 b of theexcision device 10.

According to one embodiment, the guide pin 56 may be located a distanceaway from the perimeter of the articular surface 54 which generallycorresponds to the radius R_(e) of the cutters 16 a, 16 b. The excisiondevice 10 may be advanced over the guide pin 56 and rotated as describedherein. Accordingly, the cutters 16 a, 16 b may remove a portion of thearticular surface 54 to form an excision site 81 disposed about theperimeter of the articular surface 54 as generally illustrated in FIG.12. It may be appreciated that in such a manner, the perimeter mayintersect a portion of the generally hemispherical excision site 81. Theexcision device 10 and the guide pin 56 may then be removed and theimplant 12 may be received within the excision site 81. As may be seenin FIG. 12, a portion of the implant 12 may replace the perimeter of thearticular surface 54 which was damaged and/or missing.

The implant 12 may also include a keel 32 as generally illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13. The keel 32 may facilitate alignment of the implant 12with respect to the articular surface 54 and/or may provide an increasedmechanical connection between the implant 12 and the bone. As discussedherein, the excision site 81 may also include one or more cavities 83,FIG. 13, configured to received at least a portion of the keel 32 (forexample, but not limited to, one or more radial lips 44 a-44 n of theprotrusion 42.

Once the position/orientation of the implant 12 has been confirmed(i.e., the contour of the load bearing surface 22 has been confirmedalong the AP and/or SI planes to generally correspond to the originalcontour of the articular surface), the implant 12 may be secured to thebone. The implant 12 may be held in place by the lips, protrusions, ribsor the like 28 a-28 n of the bone facing surface 24, the keel 32, and/orbone cement or the like.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to amethod of repairing an articular surface, wherein the method may includesecuring a guide pin to an articular surface of a glenoid, wherein theguide pin may define a working axis and the working axis is positionedat an angle α relative to the articular surface, wherein angle α is lessthan or equal to 90 degrees. It may be appreciated that in someembodiments the guide pin may be configured to be disposed at an angleα, wherein 90 degrees≧α≧45 degrees relative to the articular surface. Insome examples, the articular surface includes a perimeter and theperimeter includes a defect and the excision site extends to theperimeter.

The method may also include advancing an excision device over the guidepin, wherein the excision device may include a cannulated shaft and atleast one cutter. In some embodiments the cutter may generally bealigned in a single plane. In some embodiments, the cutter may include afirst cutter and a second cutter, which extend generally radiallyoutwardly from the cannulated shaft at an angle of approximately 180degrees from each other. In other embodiments, the cutter may have across-sectional thickness of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

The method may also include forming a generally hemi-spherical excisionsite with the excision device within the articular surface of theglenoid. In some embodiments, the generally hemi-spherical excision sitemay be formed by rotating the at least one cutter about the guide pin.In addition, the method may also include removing the guide pin andplacing an implant in the excision site.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method ofrepairing an articular surface. The method may include creating anincision through an anterior surface of a patient proximate to thepatient's shoulder, as may be appreciated the shoulder includes aglenoid including a first articular surface and a humerus including asecond articular surface. The method may also include inserting a guidepin through the incision at an angle to avoid contact with the secondarticular surface. The method may further include securing the guide pinto the first articular surface, wherein the guide pin may be positionedat an angle α relative to the first articular surface, and angle α maybe less than or equal to 90 degrees. In addition, the method may includeadvancing an excision device over the guide pin, wherein the excisiondevice may include a cannulated shaft and at least one cutter. In someembodiments, the cutter may extend away from the cannulated shaft andexhibit a thickness of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. In further embodiments, thecutter may be oriented generally tangentially to the second articularsurface avoiding contact with the humerus as the excision device isadvanced over the guide pin. The method may also include forming agenerally hemi-spherical excision site in the first articular surfacewith the excision device by rotating the at least one cutter withoutcontacting the second articular surface.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system forrepairing an articular surface. The system may include a guide pinconfigured to be secured into bone beneath the articular surface of aglenoid. In some embodiments, the guide pin may be configured to bedisposed at an angle α relative to the articular surface, wherein angleα is <90 degrees. In further embodiments, the guide pin may beconfigured to be disposed at an angle α relative to the articularsurface, wherein 90 degrees≧α≧45 degrees.

The system may also include an excision device. The excision device mayinclude a cannulated shaft configured to be advanced over the guide pin,and at least one cutter configured to form a generally hemisphericalexcision site in the glenoid about the guide pin. In one embodiment, theat least one cutter may have a cross-sectional thickness of 0.5 mm to3.0 mm. The cutter may also include a cutting surface having a generallyarcuate shape sweeping towards a proximal end of the cannulated shaft.The cutting surface may define a contour of the excision site as theexcision device is rotated about the cannulated shaft. In anotherembodiment, the cutter may include a first cutter and a second cutter,wherein the first and second cutters may extend generally radiallyoutwardly from the cannulated shaft at an angle approximately 180degrees from each other.

The system may further include an implant. The implant may have a loadbearing surface and a bone facing surface, wherein the load bearingsurface may exhibit a contour substantially corresponding to the contourof the articular surface and the generally hemi-spherical bone facingsurface may be configured to be received in the generally hemisphericalexcision site. In some embodiments, the load bearing surface may includea beveled region disposed about a perimeter of the load bearing surface.In further embodiments, the bone facing surface may include at least onelip, protrusion and/or rib configured to increase a mechanicalconnection between the implant and bone within the excision site. In yetfurther embodiments, the implant may also include at least one keelextending generally outwardly from the bone facing surface. Inadditional embodiments, the at least one keel may include a protrusiondisposed about a distal end of a base region. In one embodiment, theimplant may include a single keel extending generally downwardly andaway from a bottom surface of the bone facing surface generally along acentral axis C of the implant. The base region may be coupled to abottom surface of the bone facing surface and include an hour-glassshape. In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the keel may include acurvature substantially corresponding to a curvature of the excisionsite. The bottom surface of the keel may also include a curvaturesubstantially corresponding to a curvature of a cutting surface of theat least one cutter. In some embodiments, the at least one keel mayextend outwardly and downwardly from a bottom surface of the bone facingsurface beyond a curvature D substantially corresponding to a curvatureof a cutting surface of the at least one cutter.

It may be appreciated that in some embodiments, an overall radius R_(e)of the at least one cutter may define a radius of the excision sitecreated by the excision device. In addition, in some embodiments, theoverall radius R_(e) may substantially correspond to a radius R_(i) ofthe implant. In some embodiments, a depth D of the at least one cuttermay define a height of the excision site created by the excision device.In additional embodiments, a depth D may substantially correspond to aheight H of the implant.

As mentioned above, the present disclosure is not intended to be limitedto a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated orimplied object or feature of the present disclosure and should not belimited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) describedherein. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the presentdisclosure to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications orvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodimentwas chosen and described to provide the best illustration of theprinciples of the present disclosure and its practical application tothereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the presentdisclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as issuited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications andvariations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for repairing a defect on a portion ofan articular surface of a patient's glenoid, said system comprising: anexcision device including: a cannulated shaft having a first and asecond open end defining a longitudinally disposed passageway configuredto be advanced over a guide pin, and a reamer including a first and asecond cutter configured to extend radially outward about saidcannulated shaft at an angle approximately 180 degrees from each other,said at least one cutter including a cutting surface having a generallyarcuate shape sweeping towards a proximal end of said cannulated shaftconfigured to form a generally hemispherical excision site in saidglenoid while said excision device is rotated about, and advanced over,said guide pin; and wherein said reamer and said cannulated shaft areconfigured to be advanced in a space between the articular surfaces ofsaid patient's humerus and scapula such that a rotational axis of saidexcision device is non-perpendicular to said glenoid articular surface.2. An articular resurfacing system comprising: a first implant systemconfigured to repair a first defect on first articular surface of afirst bone, said first implant system comprising: a first postconfigured to engage said first bone proximate to said first articularsurface, said first post further comprising a first tapered portion; animplant comprising a first load bearing surface, a first bone facingsurface, and a second tapered portion, wherein said first and saidsecond tapered portions are configured to couple said first post to saidimplant; and a second implant system configured to repair a seconddefect a second articular surface of a second bone, said second implantsystem comprising: a second load bearing surface and a second bonefacing surface, said second load bearing surface exhibits a contoursubstantially corresponding to the contour of the second articularsurface and said second bone facing surface is configured to be receivedin a generally hemispherical excision site formed in said second bone,wherein said second bone is a glenoid.
 3. The articular resurfacingsystem of claim 2, further comprising an excision device including: acannulated shaft defining a longitudinally disposed passagewayconfigured to be advanced over a guide pin, and a reamer including atleast one cutter configured to extend radially outward about saidcannulated shaft, said at least one cutter including a cutting surfacehaving a generally arcuate shape sweeping towards a proximal end of saidcannulated shaft configured to form a generally hemispherical excisionsite in said glenoid while said excision device is rotated about, andadvanced over, said guide pin; and wherein said reamer and saidcannulated shaft are configured to be advanced in a space between thearticular surfaces of said humerus and scapula such that a rotationalaxis of said excision device is non-perpendicular to said glenoidarticular surface.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein a depth D of atleast one of said cutters defines a height of said excision site createdby said excision device.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least oneof said cutters has a cross-sectional thickness of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein first and said second cutters each have across-sectional thickness of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein said reamer is integrally formed with said cannulated shaft. 8.The system of claim 1, wherein said reamer said cannulated shaft are aunitary structure.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said cuttingsurface of at least one of said cutters includes a generally constantcurvature.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said cutting surface of atleast one of said cutters includes at least one protrusion.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said cutting surface of at least one of saidcutters includes at least one recess.
 12. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising said guide pin configured to be secured into bone beneath thearticular surface of the glenoid.
 13. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a first implant including a load bearing surface and a bonefacing surface, wherein said load bearing surface exhibits a contoursubstantially corresponding to the contour of the articular surface andsaid bone facing surface is configured to be received in said generallyhemispherical excision site.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein saidbone facing surface includes a generally hemi-spherical bone facingsurface is configured to be received in said generally hemisphericalexcision site.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidcutters has an overall radius Re in the range of 7.0 mm to 20.0 mm. 16.The system of claim 1, wherein swat least one of said cutters configuredis configured to extend radially outward about only a circumferentialportion of a distal end of said cannulated shaft.
 17. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said reamer and said cannulated shaft are configured tobe advanced in said space between the articular surfaces of saidpatient's humerus and scapula such that said rotational axis of saidexcision device is non-perpendicular to said glenoid and a radius ofsaid reamer is configured to project a center point of the radius of thereamer and a center point of the generally hemispherical excision siteslightly above said glenoid.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein saidradius of said reamer is configured to form said generally hemisphericalexcision site in only a portion of said glenoid about said guide pin andis substantially equal to a diameter of an implant configured to bereceived in said generally hemispherical excision site.
 19. The systemof claim 13, further comprising a second implant system configured torepair a defect on said articular surface of another bone, said secondimplant system comprising: a post configured to engage said scapularproximate to said articular surface of said another bone, said postfurther comprising a tapered portion; and an implant comprising a loadbearing surface, a bone facing surface, and a tapered portion; whereinsaid tapered portions are configured to couple said post to saidimplant.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein said guide pin isconfigured to be disposed at an angle α relative to said articularsurface, wherein angle α is <90 degrees.
 21. The system of claim 12,wherein said guide pin is configured to be disposed at an angle αrelative to said articular surface, wherein 90 degrees≧α≧45 degrees. 22.The system of claim 13, wherein an overall radius R_(e) of at least oneof said cutters defines a radius of said excision site created by saidexcision device.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein said overall radiusR_(e) substantially corresponds to a radius R_(i) of said implant. 24.The system of claim 13, wherein a depth D of said reamer substantiallycorresponds to a height H of said implant.
 25. The system of claim 13,wherein said load bearing surface comprises a beveled region disposedabout a perimeter of said load bearing surface.
 26. The system of claim13, wherein said bone facing surface comprises at least one lip,protrusion and/or rib configured to increase a mechanical connectionbetween said implant and bone within said excision site.
 27. The systemof claim 13, wherein said implant comprises at least one keel extendinggenerally outwardly from said bone facing surface.
 28. The system ofclaim 27, wherein said at least one keel includes a protrusion disposedabout a distal end of a base region.
 29. The articular resurfacingsystem of claim 2, wherein said first post includes a first cannulatedpost.
 30. The articular resurfacing system of claim 29, furthercomprising a first guide pin, wherein said first cannulated post isconfigured to be advanced over said first guide pin.
 31. The articularresurfacing system of claim 2, wherein second implant system furtherincludes a second post configured to be coupled to said second bonefacing surface and configured to engage bone beneath said secondarticular surface of said second bone.
 32. The articular resurfacingsystem of claim 31, wherein said second post and said second bone facingsurface each include tapered portions configured to couple said secondpost to said second bone facing surface.
 33. The articular resurfacingsystem of claim 31, wherein said second post includes a secondcannulated post.
 34. The articular resurfacing system of claim 2,wherein said second bone facing surface includes a plurality of regionsrevolved about a plurality of axis.
 35. A joint resurfacing system forrepairing portions of a first and a second cooperating articular surfaceof a first and a second bone, respectively, wherein said jointresurfacing system comprises: a first implant system configured torepair a first defect in said first articular surface of said firstbone, said first implant system comprising: a post configured to engagesaid first bone proximate to said first articular surface, said postfurther comprising a first tapered portion; an implant comprising afirst load bearing surface, a first bone facing surface, and a secondtapered portion, wherein said first and said second tapered portions areconfigured to couple said post to said implant; and a second implantsystem configured be received in a generally hemispherical excision siteformed in a portion of said second articular surface of said second boneproximate to a second defect, said second implant system comprising: asecond load bearing surface and a second bone facing surface, saidsecond load bearing surface exhibits a contour substantiallycorresponding to the contour of said portion of said second articularsurface and said second bone facing surface is configured to be receivedin a generally hemispherical excision site formed in said second bone;wherein said joint is the shoulder and wherein said second bone is theglenoid.
 36. A joint resurfacing system for repairing portions of afirst and a second cooperating articular surface of a first and a secondbone, respectively, wherein said joint resurfacing system comprises: afirst implant system configured to be received in a generally circularexcision site formed in said first articular surface of said first bone,said first implant system comprising: a post configured to engage saidfirst bone proximate to said first articular surface, said post furthercomprising a first tapered portion; an implant comprising a first loadbearing surface having generally circular cross-section substantiallycorresponding to said generally circular excision site, a first bonefacing surface, and a second tapered portion, wherein said first andsaid second tapered portions are configured to couple said post to saidimplant; and a second implant system configured be received in agenerally hemispherical excision site formed in said second articularsurface of said second bone, said second implant system comprising: asecond load bearing surface and a second bone facing surface, saidsecond load bearing surface exhibits a contour substantiallycorresponding to the contour of the second articular surface and saidsecond bone facing surface including a generally hemispherical profilehaving a radius substantially corresponding to a radius of a reamerconfigured to form said generally hemispherical excision site in saidsecond bone; wherein said joint is the shoulder and wherein said secondbone is the glenoid.
 37. A joint resurfacing system for repairingportions of a first and a second cooperating articular surface of afirst and a second bone, respectively, wherein said joint resurfacingsystem comprises: a first implant system configured to repair a portionof said first articular surface of said first bone, said first implantsystem comprising: a post configured to engage said first bone proximateto said first articular surface, said post further comprising a firsttapered portion; an implant comprising a first load bearing surface, afirst bone facing surface, and a second tapered portion, wherein saidfirst and said second tapered portions are configured to couple saidpost to said implant; and a second implant system configured be receivedin a generally hemispherical excision site formed in a portion of saidsecond articular surface of said second bone, said second implant systemcomprising: a second load bearing surface and a second bone facingsurface, said second load bearing surface exhibits a contoursubstantially corresponding to the contour of the second articularsurface and said second bone facing surface including a generallyhemispherical profile having a radius substantially corresponding to aradius of a reamer configured to form said generally hemisphericalexcision site in said second bone such that a center point of saidgenerally hemispherical profile is substantially the same as a centerpoint of said reamer; wherein said joint is the shoulder and whereinsaid second bone is the glenoid.
 38. A joint resurfacing system forrepairing portions of a first and a second cooperating articular surfaceof a first and a second bone, respectively, wherein said jointresurfacing system comprises: a first implant system configured torepair a portion of said first articular surface of said first bone,said first implant system comprising: a post configured to engage saidfirst bone proximate to said first articular surface, said post furthercomprising a first tapered portion; an implant comprising a first loadbearing surface, a first bone facing surface, and a second taperedportion, wherein said first and said second tapered portions areconfigured to couple said post to said implant; and a second implantsystem configured be received in a generally hemispherical excision siteformed in a portion of said second articular surface of said secondbone, said second implant system comprising: a second load bearingsurface and a second bone facing surface, said second load bearingsurface exhibits a contour substantially corresponding to the contour ofthe second articular surface and said second bone facing surfaceincluding a generally hemispherical profile having a radiussubstantially corresponding to a radius of a reamer configured to formsaid generally hemispherical excision site in said second bone such thata rotational axis of said reamer is non-perpendicular to said secondarticular surface; wherein said joint is the shoulder and wherein saidsecond bone is the glenoid.
 39. A joint resurfacing system for repairingportions of a first and a second cooperating articular surface of afirst and a second bone, respectively, wherein said joint resurfacingsystem comprises: a first implant system configured to repair a portionof said first articular surface of said first bone, said first implantsystem comprising: a post configured to engage said first bone proximateto said first articular surface, said post further comprising a firsttapered portion; an implant comprising a first load bearing surface, afirst bone facing surface, and a second tapered portion, wherein saidfirst and said second tapered portions are configured to couple saidpost to said implant; and a second implant system configured be receivedin a generally hemispherical excision site formed in a portion of saidsecond articular surface of said second bone, said second implant systemcomprising: a second load bearing surface having a contour substantiallycorresponding to the contour of the second articular surface; a secondbone facing surface having a generally hemispherical profilesubstantially corresponding to a generally hemispherical excision siteformed in said second bone; and at least one keel extending outwardlyfrom said second bone facing surface; wherein said joint is the shoulderand wherein said second bone is the glenoid.
 40. A joint resurfacingsystem for repairing portions of a first and a second cooperatingarticular surface of a first and a second bone, respectively, whereinsaid joint resurfacing system comprises: a first implant systemconfigured to repair a portion of said first articular surface of saidfirst bone, said first implant system comprising: a post configured toengage said first bone proximate to said first articular surface, saidpost further comprising a first tapered portion; an implant comprising afirst load bearing surface, a first bone facing surface, and a secondtapered portion, wherein said first and said second tapered portions areconfigured to couple said post to said implant; and a second implantsystem configured be received in a generally hemispherical excision siteformed in a portion of said second articular surface of said secondbone, said second implant system comprising: a second load bearingsurface having a contour substantially corresponding to the contour ofthe second articular surface; a second bone facing surface having agenerally hemispherical profile substantially corresponding to agenerally hemispherical excision site formed in said second bone; and abeveled region disposed at least one at least a portion of a perimeterof said second load bearing surface; wherein said joint is the shoulderand wherein said second bone is the glenoid.
 41. A joint resurfacingsystem for repairing portions of a first and a second cooperatingarticular surface of a first and a second bone, respectively, whereinsaid joint resurfacing system comprises: a first excision deviceconfigured to form a generally circular excision site in said firstarticular surface of said first bone; a first implant system configuredto be received in said generally circular excision site, said firstimplant system comprising: a post configured to engage said first boneproximate to said first articular surface, said post further comprisinga first tapered portion; an implant comprising a first load bearingsurface having a radius substantially corresponding to a radius of saidfirst excision device, a first bone facing surface, and a second taperedportion configured to engage with said first second tapered portion tocouple said post to said implant; a second excision device configured toform a generally hemispherical excision site in said second bone; saidsecond excision device comprising: a cannulated shaft configured to beadvanced over a guide pin, and a reamer including at least one cutterconfigured to extend radially outward about said cannulated shaft, saidat least one cutter including a cutting surface having a generallyarcuate shape sweeping towards a proximal end of said cannulated shaftconfigured to form said generally hemispherical excision site about saidguide pin; and a second implant system configured to be received in saidgenerally hemispherical excision site, said second implant systemcomprising: a second load bearing surface and a second bone facingsurface, said second load bearing surface exhibits a contoursubstantially corresponding to the contour of the second articularsurface and said second bone facing surface including a generallyhemispherical profile having a radius substantially corresponding to aradius of said reamer; wherein said second bone is a glenoid and whereinsaid reamer and said cannulated shaft are configured to be advanced in aspace between the articular surfaces of a patient's shoulder such that arotational axis of said excision device is non-perpendicular to saidglenoid articular surface.